Chubby pets may be cute, but they are also at increased risk for serious health complications. Pet obesity is a growing epidemic, and overweight pets tend to live about two years less than healthy weight pets. Our Family Pet Care team doesn’t want your pet’s excess weight to hamper your bond, and we provide pet obesity facts and explain how you can safeguard your four-legged friend’s health.

#1: Pet obesity is common

Since 2016, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP) has performed an online survey targeting pet owners and veterinary professionals to assess and analyze pet obesity and nutrition opinions and trends. APOP’s most recent data from 2022 show that 59% of dogs and 61% of cats are considered overweight by their veterinary professional. 

#2: Pet obesity often goes unrecognized

Because television and social media platforms often cast overweight pets, pet obesity has become normalized, and you likely don’t realize your furry pal is overweight. According to APOP’s survey, 36% of dog owners and 28% of cat owners thought their pet’s body condition was normal despite their veterinarian classifying their pet as overweight.

#3: Pet obesity is not a benign condition

Studies indicate that healthy weight pets live on average about two years longer than overweight pets, and pets carrying excess weight also tend to be less energetic and playful, indicating that their condition is negatively affecting their quality of life. In addition, being overweight increases your pet’s risk for conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, kidney disease, hypertension, respiratory disorders, urinary tract disease, skin conditions, and certain cancers.

#4: Pet weight assessment involves more than the number on the scale

Although you can find charts that provide an ideal weight range for your pet based on their species and breed, to assess your pet’s health accurately, you should also determine their body condition score (BCS). This quantitative process involves assigning your pet’s body condition a score from one to nine. One is equivalent to emaciated, five is ideal, and nine is considered obese. The BCS process involves:

  • Rib palpation — When you palpate your pet’s ribs, you should be able to feel them easily by applying light pressure. If your pet’s ribs are buried under a thick fat layer, they are a little too chunky.
  • Waist assessment — When viewing your pet from above, they should have an easily discernible indentation behind their rib cage. If no waist is present or if the area bulges outward, your pet could stand to cut back on the treats.
  • Abdominal tuck assessment — When observing your pet from the side, their abdomen should slant upward from their rib cage toward their hind legs. If no tuck is present or their abdomen droops toward the floor, your four-legged friend has a few pounds to lose.

#5: Improper weight loss can be dangerous for your pet

If your pet is overweight, contact our Family Pet Care team, so we can ensure your furry pal loses weight safely. If you suddenly restrict your pet’s calories. they can develop issues such as malnutrition and hepatic lipidosis, a potentially life-threatening liver disease. 

#6: Pets don’t regulate their food intake well

Many pets will continue eating as long as they have food in their bowl. To calculate your pet’s specific caloric needs and feed them an appropriate amount, follow these tips:

  • Consider your pet’s age, weight, activity level, and spay or neuter status to calculate their daily caloric needs.
  • Based on this calculation, read your pet’s food label to determine the amount of food they need a day.
  • Portion this amount into two or three meals to feed your pet throughout the day.
  • Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale to measure your pet’s meal portions accurately to ensure they receive the correct amount.

#7: Treats should constitute no more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories

Treats are a great way to reward your pet for good behavior and help them learn a new task, but you should limit treats to no more than 10% of your four-legged friend’s daily calories. In addition, you should avoid giving them high-fat treats and provide them with healthy treats such as snap peas, baby carrots, green beans, and blueberries.

#8: Exercise is important to keep your pet at a healthy weight

All pets need daily exercise to remain fit and trim. Some dogs, such as border collies and Australian shepherds, need extensive exercise, while others, such as bulldogs and shih tzus can make do with brisk neighborhood walks. Cats also need exercise and do best with three or four five-minute intense play sessions a day. If your pet isn’t accustomed to exercise, start with light activity and gradually increase the duration and intensity to help them get in shape.

#9: We can conquer pet obesity

Raising awareness about pet obesity is the best way to correct this health epidemic. By recognizing that your four-legged friend is likely to live longer if you keep them at a healthy weight, you are more likely to feed them appropriately and ensure they receive adequate exercise. Our Family Pet Care team is committed to improving pet health, and we urge you to spread the word about pet obesity.

If your pet has a few extra pounds to lose, contact our Family Pet Care team, so we can devise their safe weight loss plan.